Shoulder-Slug Personal Article Carrier and Security Wallet

ABSTRACT

A personal article carrier is provided having a shoulder-slung configuration that is adapted to support various travel items and personally information, whereby the holder is adapted to be concealed within a user&#39;s clothing and close to the user&#39;s chest for security. The holder comprises a two-sided pouch having internal surfaces adorned with various article holders and supports, while the two sides align with one another and are securable along a zip fastener line of connection. When opened, the pouch sides are hingedly attached to allow a user to access and retrieve items, whereafter the zip fastener closure and an outer strap secure the pouch in a closed position. Disposed within the pouch interior surfaces are currency pouches, utility article retainers, writing tool holders, identification card holders, and other assorted supports. An internal security cover is further disposed within the pouch for shrouding one side of the pouch for added security.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/695,047 filed on Aug. 30, 2012, entitled “Passport Holster Wallet.” The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to personal article carriers and wallets. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a new and novel article carrying case that is supported from a shoulder harness beneath a user's outerwear, in a similar fashion as a shoulder firearm holster.

When people are traveling or vacationing in unfamiliar locations, keeping one's personal items secure and concealed is important to prevent pickpocketing, prevent inadvertent revealing of the personal items to others, and to prevent the personal items from being lost or misplaced. Organizing the items is important for easy and efficient access thereto, while security over the items is paramount in certain environments. If one were to lose personally identifying information or financial information, the results could be quite damaging and expensive to remedy.

The first of these concerns is efficient access to personal items while traveling. It is important for most people to have ready access to identification and currency while traveling. Identification is necessary at many locations, including airports, checkpoints, restaurants, and other locations where travelers must prove their age or nationality. Access to money is also important if the user is traveling and in need of cash or credit cards to pay for food or services. The ability to collocate personal information and afford ease and ready access thereto is highly desired for the efficient traveler. The alternative is placing items in external bags or carry-all's, or in the one's pockets. Access thereto is delayed, and can further lead to misplacing, losing, or dropping the personal items or money when retrieving the same.

A secondary concern of the traveler is maintaining security of personal items on one's person. It is not uncommon to be forewarned of regions plagued with frequent pickpocketing, where tourists are preyed upon for their cash and personal information for the benefit of a thief. Therefore, the ability to conceal personal items and money items is very important for most travelers. The average traveler generally stows these items in their pockets or in carry bags, which are easy pickings for a seasoned thief. Therefore, a clear need exists for an improved means of handling, securing, and collocating personal items for the traveling user.

The present invention provides a body-securable, readily accessible, and securely constructed personal item carrier that improves on current wallets, purses, and other personal carriers in the prior art. The device comprises a suspendable pouch having a zip clasp-securable, two-fold construction with an additional closure strap therearound. The pouch is ideally suited for use with a shoulder sling or should strap, wherein the device is suspended and disposed below a user's armpit and under his or her arm for concealed carrying. A user's outerwear conceals the pouch, while the pouch construction provides for ready and secure access to its contents when desired. Therefore, the present invention provides a personal carry pouch that is both efficient and secure for the traveling user.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to personal carriers. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications, and generally relate to different wallet, carrier, and purse structures that are adapted for different objectives. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 4,905,881 to Graber discloses a body safety wallet that is adapted to be worn around the ankle of a user. The device comprises a rectangular, folded material joined along three sides and forming an open upper portion. The ends of the wallet include a corresponding pair of hook and loop fastening strips and an opposing belt length and belt buckle. The strips secure to one another while the belt is secured thereover, securing the wallet and its contents around the lower leg of a traveling user. While disclosing a novel wallet device, the Graber device provides a nearly conventional wallet with end connectors for securing the limb of a user. The present invention is adapted to be suspended from a shoulder harness along the user's body, which provides more ready access thereto.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,022 to Morehead discloses a tethered wallet that comprises a pocket portion for storing items therein and a flap portion that extends upwards for securing over a belt or similar clothing item to suspend the pocket therefrom. The tether comprises an elongated length having fasteners thereon to allow the tether to wrap around an article and secure back onto itself to form a closed loop. The tether can also provide securement of a secondary personal item, such as a key chain item. The Morehead device, while providing a novel extension member for a wallet pocket, fails to disclose the novel connection between the present shoulder-supported personal carrier and a shoulder harness therefor.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,648,906 to Ross discloses a wallet carrying article that is designed to be carried around one of the carrier's shoulders. The device comprises a U-shaped strap having a base portion and two leg portions that connect over the user's one shoulder. At the base of the strap is a pouch that connects thereto by way of a snap such that the pocket is positioned below a user's armpit while deployed. The Ross device, while disclosing a shoulder-slung pouch, fails to disclose the novel structural elements of the present personal carrier.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 3,739,961 to Soukeras discloses an alternatively usable pouch and strap configuration for securing personal items, comprising a first and second pouch positioned below a user's armpits and supported by a first and second strap slidably connected to a cross-over coupling means that allows the straps to cross each other along the middle of the wearer's back. Each strap connects to an individual pouch, whereby the pouches can be utilized separately from one another or together using the coupling means.

The present invention discloses a personal carrying article that is both efficient and secure for the traveling user. The device provides ready access to various personal affects and necessary identification and currency items, while at the same time ensuring the carrier and the items therein are secure from onlookers and would-be thieves. The carrier is adapted to be supported from a shoulder harness and suspended under a user's arm, whereby the assembly can be hidden from view by an outerwear article.

It is submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing personal article carrier devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of personal article carrier devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new, shoulder harness-supported personal carrier device that can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when efficiently and securely carrying articles while traveling.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved personal article carrier device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a personal article carrier device that is supported by a shoulder strap such that the device is positioned under a user's arm for ease of concealment when wearing an outerwear article.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a personal article carrier device that improves efficiency with regard to carrying personal items and currency items while traveling, wherein space is conserved, ready access is afforded, and the items are conveniently collocated for rapid location of the items.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a personal article carrier device that improves the security aspects of carrying personal items while traveling, wherein the carrier is sealed in a closed position and secured against the user's body for concealment purposes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a personal article carrier device that is capable of securing personal items, travel items, identification items, and currency items within a relatively small area.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a view of the present invention in an open configuration, highlighting the internal compartments and retainer items for securing articles within the device.

FIG. 2 shows a view of the device being suspended from a contemplated shoulder harness.

FIG. 3 shows a view of the device in a working state, supported by the shoulder harness below a user's arm.

FIG. 4 shows a view of the two-sided device being separated for access thereinto, wherein the internal security cover is further visualized.

FIG. 5 shows a view of the personal carrier device in a closed and secure configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the personal article carrier device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for carrying and securing personal items and travel items close to a user's body. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a view of the personal article carrier 10 of the present invention in an open configuration such that its interior structure is visible. The device comprises a two-fold design having a first half 11 and second half 12 connected along a hinged line of connection 13 that allows the two halves to be freely rotated from one another for opening and closing of the device. Along the periphery 35 of the carrier halves is a zip fastener line of connection that spans the entire outer edge of each half from one end of the hinged connection 13 to the opposite end thereof in order to affect zip fastener connection between the two halves that spans their entire unhinged edge. This encloses the carrier interior volume such that personal items can be stored and secured therein without fear of them falling out or being unknowingly removed therefrom without authorization.

After the halves are secured together, a secondary closure strap 20 is secured over an edge of the device opposite the hinged connection 13 such that halves remain joined in the event the zip fastener line of connection 35 is unsecured or inadvertently opened. The strap 20 therefore acts as a safety strap to maintain closure of the carrier 10. When secured closed, the device is adapted to be suspended from a shoulder strap device that is connected to the user, whereby the carrier 10 can be held in close contact with the user, under his or her arm, and under any outerwear clothing that he or she may desire to wear. To support the carrier 10, a first and second suspender loop 30 is provided along the upper periphery of the first half 11. The loops 30 are secured around a portion of the shoulder strap for suspension of the carrier while traveling. The loops 30 are preferably closed loops having a stitched construction; however it is also contemplated that the loops 30 may be operably closed and opened, wherein one end of the loop is removably fastened to the carrier along one end thereof to allow the loop material to wrap around an exposed shoulder strap and secure therearound by way of a fastener (e.g. a snap connector, hook and loop fastener, etc.).

Within the interior of the carrier 10 is a plurality of article holders, securing means, and pouches that provide support and security for many different travel, personal, and currency articles that one may desire to travel with. Further provided within the interior of the folding carrier and against each half interior is a security shroud that is securable over the interior articles therein. The shroud (as shown in FIG. 4), provides a layer of security and cover for the device such that when a user opens the carrier, he or she is not required to reveal all of its interior contents, simply one side or the other as desired. The shroud is removably connected to each half interior such that it can be disconnected along certain portions to partially and operably reveal those articles the user wishes access to, and only those articles. This adds a level of security to the device when accessing the carrier 10 in public spaces.

Below the shroud are the article holders of the carrier, which are utilized to secure a number of different types of personal and travel items that one may desire while traveling. FIG. 1 highlights an exemplary embodiment of the present invent carrier interior that affords support of many different articles commonly needed by the traveling user. This exemplary embodiment is but one of many different configurations that may be deployed by the present carrier device and it is not desired to limit the present disclosure to a specific layout or design. Rather it is desired to disclose a novel carrying device having several features, whereby the exact articles afforded support may vary, falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

In the exemplary embodiment, the first half 11 includes a driver's license or identification card holder 16, a securable coin pouch 17, a securable paper currency pouch 21, a check book, traveler's check, or airline ticket slot 22, a pen or pencil strap support 19, and several personal utility tool support straps 18 disposed along the first half interior surface 14.

The identification card holder 16 comprises a largely rectangular pouch structure having a three-sided, sewn connection to the first half interior surface 14. The upper edge thereof includes a defined curve or downward drooping edge that permits ready vision of the card and access thereto. A user's fingers can easily grasp and obtain purchase of a single card held therein, or a single card among others secured therein. The interior volume of the card holder 16 is such that it accepts relatively thin identification cards therein, or can expand over time as more cards are secured therein. It construction is similar to a wallet credit card or identification card holder, which is ideally suited for a single card, but can accept subsequent cards therein as the pouch stretches with use.

The coin pouch 17 is a similarly structured pouch as that of the card holder 16, yet its upper edge is securable closed by way of a zip fastener line of connection. The interior of the pouch 17 may also be large to account for the thickness of several coins stored therein, as opposed to the relatively consistent thickness of ID cards that would be stored in the card holder 16. The coin pouch 17 provides a securable pocket within which to store coin currency items for smaller purchases, whereby the coin contents will not spill outward in the event the carrier is inverted.

In a similar fashion as the coin pouch 17, the paper currency pouch 21 is disposed within the carrier interior to provide securement of paper currency items. The pouch 21 comprises a more elongated and upright pouch structure having a largely rectangular shape and a three-sided connection to the first half interior surface 14. Along a vertical side of the pouch 21 is an open access thereinto, wherein the access is securable closed by way of another zip fastener line of connection. Similar to the coin pouch 17, the paper currency pouch 21 provides a secure support for currency that is operably closed and opened when the currency is necessary for purchase of an item or service.

Positioned over the paper currency pouch 17 is a curved flap 22 within which thin items such as airline tickets, a check book, or traveler's checks can be temporarily stored. The flap 22 comprises a layer of material connected over the currency pouch 17 that connects along at least two edges thereof, and possibly three (depending upon construction). The upper portion of the flap material is a curved opening that allows thin items to be slid therethrough and under the flap material for partial support and pinning of the item against the currency pouch 21. The flap 22 provides a temporary position to store items slid thereunder, similar to a front jacket pocket where ease of access is desired over absolute security.

Along with the pouches, several accessory supports are provided along the first half interior surface 14. These include the pen or pencil strap supports 19 and the personal utility tool support straps 18. The pen strap supports 19 are a pair of aligned loops of material or a single, elongated loop of material that accepts a pen or pencil therethrough for support against the interior surface 14. A pen or pencil can be readily fed through the strap support(s) 19 and retrieved in the same manner for making a mark or signing for an item. The personal utility tool support straps 18 are a plurality of loop straps 18 that are adapted to support nail files, nail clippers, or travel utility knives against the first half interior surface 14. These two accessory supports are well known support types in the art and are provided for support of commonly desired travel items for personal grooming and for carrying a marking tool (pen or pencil).

Along the opposing half 12 of the carrier 12 is situated several other article supports. These include a pair of debit or credit card holders 23, 24, a passport holder 25, and a mesh medical item pouch 26. The debit and credit card holders 23, 24 are of the same construction as the identification card holder 16 of the first half 11, wherein a rectangular pouch having an open upper is provided, whereby the upper edge is curving for improved access to the cards positioned therein. The passport holder 25 is also a rectangular pouch that has dimensions suitable for accepting a typical passport book therein, wherein the upper edge of the holder 25 includes an opening and a downward opening therefrom to improve grasping the upper portion of the passport book. Finally, positioned along the bottom of the second half interior surface 14 is an expandable mesh pouch 26 suitable for storage of pill bottles and other medical items. The upper edge of the mesh pouch is securable by way of a zip fastener to secure the items therein, while the mesh construction allows visualization through the pouch for locating and seeing the pill contents.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a view of an embodiment of the shoulder harness 60 of the present invention, wherein the harness provides a support from which to suspend the article carrier 10 in a position close to the wearer's body and under any outerwear being donned. The shoulder harness 60 comprises at least one shoulder strap 61 that secures over one shoulder and under the wearer's armpit. The strap 61 may be a continuous or securable loop, wherefrom a harness cross member 62 is disposed perpendicularly from the loop either around the wearer's chest or from one strap to a second loop positioned on the wearer's second shoulder.

Referring to both FIGS. 2 and 3, the article carrier 10 is shown connected to a dual-loop shoulder harness 60 and suspended from one of the shoulder harness strap 61 in a stowed position. The holder 10 secures to a harness strap 61 by way of the carrier suspender loops 30 that accept the shoulder harness strap 61 therethrough. In its working position, the carrier is supported under a wearer's arm and below his or her armpit, while the zip fastener line of connection 35 and outer strap 20 are secured closed to prevent items from falling from the carrier 10. In this state, the carrier 10 is both protected from theft and positioned for ready access by the wearer.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a view of the personal carrier article 10 of the present invention in a partially opened state, wherein the zip fastener line of connection along the periphery 35 of the carrier is separated and the closure strap 20 is disconnected. Within the interior of the carrier, the internal shroud 40 is visualized over the carrier first half 11. The shroud 40 is a removable cover that conceals the pouches and article supports with the carrier half, wherein a shroud 40 is deployed on both halves 11, 12 of the device. The shroud 40 is coextensive with the interior surface of the carrier half, whereby the article holders are concealed thereunder when the shroud is attached. This enables the user to access one portion of the carrier contents without revealing all of the contents to onlookers. The shroud 40 preferably secures to the carrier interior surface by way of removable hook and loop fasteners 41; however alternate fastener types are contemplated for providing a removable connection between the shroud 40 and interior surface.

Referring finally to FIG. 5, there is shown a frontal view of the carrier device 10 in a closed and secured state. In this state, the closure strap 20 is secured around the first and second carrier halves, which are further zip fastened together along their shared line of connection. Along the distal end of the closure strap 20 may be provided a pendant or crest 37, which denotes the inherent security of the carrier and its purpose with regard to protecting personal property, currency, travel items, and personally identifying information for a user.

Most people when traveling are concerned about securing their valuables, especially when traveling in foreign countries or in areas that require precautions against pickpocketing and theft. A further consideration of travelers is the ease with which they can access personally identifying information, such as passports and ID cards, as well as currency items while making a purchase. The former of these is commonly deployed when traveling by air or when cross borders. The latter concern relates to the need for access to currency for food and services, which also is interrelated and touches the necessary security precautions of traveling.

The present invention pertains to a body-worn, shoulder-slug personal article carrier that is capable of securely and efficiently storing personal items while traveling, while also providing a device that can support the items in a relatively concealed manner. The device is adapted for use with a shoulder harness, whereby the carrier is suspended therefrom below a user's arm and against his or her body. In a similar fashion as a holster harness, the present invention is secured against the user's person for concealment and protection. When necessary, ready access is facilitated while the contents can be partially concealed even when the carrier is opened. In this way, travelers are afforded security and efficient carriage of necessary items while on vacation or traveling from place to place. Contemplated embodiments of the material include common wallet and personal carrier materials, including leather, synthetic material, plastics, and other commonly known material in the art.

It is submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim: 1) A personal article carrier device, comprising: a first and second carrier half hingedly connected to one another, said first and second carrier half having an interior surface, and exterior surface, and a peripheral edge; said first and second carrier half peripheral edge comprising a shared zip fastener line of connection; said first carrier half having an upper edge; at least one suspender loop attached to said upper edge of said first carrier half and adapted to support said carrier device in a suspended state; a closure strap secured to said first half outer surface and removably securable to said second half outer surface over said first and second half peripheral edge zip fastener line of connection. 2) The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one at least one article holder disposed along at least one of said carrier half interior surfaces. 3) The device of claim 2, wherein: said article holder further comprises an identification card holder having a largely rectangular pouch structure and a three-sided, sewn connection and an open upper edge. 4) The device of claim 2, wherein: said article holder further comprises a securable coin pouch having a largely rectangular pouch structure and a three-sided, sewn connection to said carrier half interior surface and an upper edge securable by way of a zip fastener line of connection. 5) The device of claim 2, wherein: said article holder further comprises a securable paper currency pouch having an elongated and upright pouch structure, a largely rectangular shape, and a three-sided connection to said carrier half interior surface; a vertical side of said paper currency pouch comprising an opening securable by way of a zip fastener line of connection. 6) The device of claim 2, wherein: said article holder further comprises a largely rectangular flap adapted to accept thin articles therein, said flap comprising a layer of material connected to said carrier half interior surface along at least two edges thereof; said flap having an open and curved upper portion adapted to allow allows thin articles to be slid therethrough. 7) The device of claim 2, wherein said article holder further comprises at least one pen or pencil strap support comprising a closed loop secured to said carrier half interior surface. 8) The device of claim 2, wherein said article holder further comprises at least one personal utility tool support strap comprising a closed loop secured to said carrier half interior surface. 9) The device of claim 1, further comprising a removably attached shroud coextensively attached to at least one of said carrier half interior surfaces. 10) The device of claim 1, further comprising: a shoulder harness having at least one shoulder strap and a cross strap; said shoulder strap adapted to wrap over a wearer's shoulder and under his or her armpit and support said article carrier by said at least one suspender loop. 